Copenhagen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Copenhagen København  (Danish)
Capital city
City of Copenhagen Københavns Kommune  (Danish)
Christiansborg Palace Frederik's Church Tivoli Gardens Nyhavn The Lakes
Greater coat of arms
Copenhagen Location in Denmark Show map of Denmark Copenhagen Location in Scandinavia Show map of Scandinavia Copenhagen Location in Europe Show map of Europe
Country	Denmark
Region	Capital
Municipalities	Copenhagen Dragør Frederiksberg Tårnby
Established	1167; 858 years ago (1167)
Area
• Municipality	90.01 km2 (34.75 sq mi)
• Urban	525.50 km2 (202.90 sq mi)
• Metro	3,371.80 km2 (1,301.86 sq mi)
• Øresund Region	20,754.63 km2 (8,013.41 sq mi)
Highest elevation	91 m (299 ft)
Lowest elevation	1 m (3 ft)
Population  (1 January 2024)
• Municipality	660,842
• Density	7,298/km2 (18,900/sq mi)
• Urban	1,378,649
• Urban density	2,560.54/km2 (6,631.8/sq mi)
• Metro	2,135,634
• Metro density	633.38/km2 (1,640.4/sq mi)
• Øresund Region	4,486,958
• Øresund Region density	199.28/km2 (516.1/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Copenhagener
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Postal code	1050–1799, 2100, 2150, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2450, 2500, 2700, 2720
Area code(s)	(+45) 3

Copenhagen (Danish: København) is the capital and largest city in Denmark. About 1.4 million people live in its urban area. The city is located on the islands of Zealand and Amager. It is separated from Malmö, Sweden, by a narrow body of water called the Øresund strait. The Øresund Bridge connects these two cities by train and road.

Copenhagen started as a Viking fishing village around the 10th century. It became Denmark's capital in the early 1400s. During the 16th century, it was an important center for the Kalmar Union, which united most of the Nordic countries. Copenhagen grew into a major cultural and economic hub in Scandinavia during the Renaissance. By the 17th century, it was a powerful city, serving as the heart of the Danish government and military.

In the 18th century, Copenhagen faced challenges like a terrible plague and big fires. This led to major rebuilding projects. Famous areas like Frederiksstaden were built, along with cultural places like the Royal Danish Theatre. After World War II, the city expanded with new homes and businesses.

Since the early 2000s, Copenhagen has seen a lot of growth in its city life and culture. This is thanks to investments in its buildings and transport. It is Denmark's main cultural, economic, and government center. It's also a big financial hub in Northern Europe. Copenhagen's economy has grown fast in the service sector, especially in information technology and pharmaceuticals. The Øresund Bridge has also helped connect Copenhagen more closely with Malmö in Sweden.

Copenhagen is known for its parks, walking paths, and waterfronts. Famous landmarks include Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace, and Christiansborg Palace. Many museums, restaurants, and nightclubs also attract visitors.

The city is home to several universities, including the University of Copenhagen, which is Denmark's oldest. Copenhagen also has popular football teams like F.C. Copenhagen. The city is famous for being one of the most bicycle-friendly places in the world. Its public transport system includes the Copenhagen Metro and S-train. Copenhagen Airport is the busiest airport in the Nordic countries.

Understanding Copenhagen's Name

Copenhagen's Danish name, København, tells us about its past. It means 'merchants' harbour'. This name shows that the city was always a busy port and a place for trade.

The original name came from Old Norse, an old language. Over time, the name changed to what it is today. The English name "Copenhagen" comes from its Low German name, Kopenhagen. The city's Latin name, Hafnia, even gave its name to the element hafnium!

Copenhagen's Journey Through Time

Early Beginnings

We know about Copenhagen's early history from records from the late 1100s. But recent discoveries show the city is much older. Archaeologists found parts of a large merchant's house from around 1020. They also found an old well from the late 1100s. An ancient church with graves from the 1000s was also found.

These finds suggest Copenhagen started as a city at least in the 11th century. Many historians think it began in the late Viking Age. The natural harbor and plenty of herring fish likely attracted fishermen and traders. The first homes were probably near Gammel Strand, meaning 'old shore'.

The first time Copenhagen was written about was in the 12th century. It was called Portus Mercatorum, which means 'Merchants' Harbour'. People traditionally say Copenhagen was founded in 1167. This was when Bishop Absalon built a small fort on Slotsholmen island. This fort helped protect the area from Wendish pirates.

The Middle Ages

In 1186, the fort and lands around Copenhagen were given to Bishop Absalon. The city grew around the Church of Our Lady, built around 1200. As Copenhagen became more important, it was often attacked by the Hanseatic League. In 1368, they successfully invaded the city.

Copenhagen's fishing industry, especially herring trade, helped it grow. In 1254, it officially became a city. By 1416, Copenhagen was the capital of Denmark. This happened when King Eric of Pomerania moved his government to Copenhagen Castle. The University of Copenhagen was started in 1479. It is the oldest university in Denmark.

Growth in the 16th and 17th Centuries

During the 1500s, Copenhagen's defenses were made stronger with towers. The city became rich from more trade across the Baltic Sea. This was helped by Dutch ships.

Under King Christian IV (1588–1648), Copenhagen grew a lot. He built important buildings like the Tøjhus Arsenal and Børsen, the stock exchange. To boost international trade, the Danish East India Company was started in 1616. The king also created the Christianshavn district with canals, inspired by Dutch cities. It was meant to be a trading center but became part of Copenhagen. Christian IV also built Rosenborg Slot and the Rundetårn. In 1658–1659, the city bravely defended itself against a siege by the Swedes.

By 1661, Copenhagen was firmly established as the capital of Denmark and Norway. Its defenses were further improved with the Citadel and new parts of Christianshavns Vold.

The 18th Century Challenges

In 1711, about 22,000 people in Copenhagen died from the plague. The city also suffered from two big fires that destroyed much of it. The Copenhagen Fire of 1728 was the biggest, burning about 28% of the city. These fires are why not many old buildings from the medieval city remain today.

After the fires, a lot of rebuilding happened. Christiansborg Palace was rebuilt from 1733 to 1745. In 1749, the beautiful Frederiksstaden district began to be built. Its center has the mansions that now form Amalienborg Palace. The city's cultural life also grew with the Royal Danish Theatre and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

In the late 1700s, Copenhagen benefited from Denmark being neutral during European wars. This allowed it to play a big role in trade around the Baltic Sea.

The 19th Century and Golden Age

In 1801, a British fleet attacked Copenhagen. This was because the British worried Denmark might join forces with France. The battle was very tough, but the British won. Denmark agreed not to ally with France.

In 1807, another British fleet bombarded Copenhagen. This attack, known as "Operation Carthage", caused a lot of damage and civilian deaths. The British seized most of the Danish-Norwegian navy. Denmark then declared war on Britain.

Despite these wars, Copenhagen soon entered a period of great creativity called the Danish Golden Age. Art and architecture flourished. In the 1850s, the city's old walls were opened up. This allowed new homes to be built around The Lakes. By the 1880s, new areas like Nørrebro and Vesterbro grew. This was to house people moving to the city for industrial jobs.

The old city walls were no longer needed for defense. Also, sanitation in the old city was poor and needed improvement. From 1886, the western wall was removed. This allowed the harbor to expand, leading to the Freeport of Copenhagen. Electricity arrived in 1892, and electric trams in 1897. The population grew from about 120,000 in 1840 to 400,000 by 1901.

Copenhagen in the 20th Century

By the early 1900s, Copenhagen was a busy industrial city. Its center shifted west with a new city hall and railway station. New housing areas like Brønshøj and Valby grew. Frederiksberg became a separate area within Copenhagen.

During First World War, Denmark stayed neutral. Copenhagen benefited from trade with both Britain and Germany. In the 1920s, there were shortages of goods and housing. Plans were made to improve slum areas. By the 1930s, many new housing developments were built.

World War II in Copenhagen

Copenhagen was occupied by German troops from April 9, 1940, to May 4, 1945. In August 1943, the Royal Danish Navy sank several ships in Copenhagen Harbor. This was to stop the Germans from using them. Around this time, many Jewish people in Denmark managed to escape to Sweden.

In March 1945, the British Royal Air Force attacked the Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen. This mission, called "Operation Carthage", was very precise. Sadly, one plane crashed near a school, causing other planes to bomb the school by mistake. This led to the deaths of 123 civilians, including 87 schoolchildren. However, many political prisoners in the Gestapo building escaped, and their records were destroyed.

On May 8, 1945, British troops officially liberated Copenhagen.

After the War

After the war, the Finger Plan was introduced in 1947. This plan encouraged new housing and businesses to grow along five "fingers" of railway lines from the city center. These areas were mixed with green spaces. As the welfare state grew, more schools, nurseries, and hospitals were built.

In the late 1960s, a former barracks was taken over, leading to the creation of Freetown Christiania in 1971. Car traffic increased, and in 1972, trams were replaced by buses. Pedestrian streets and bike paths were created in the city center. The Copenhagen Airport expanded greatly. In the 1990s, large housing projects were built in the harbor area. The Black Diamond library building was finished in 1999.

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  The Black Diamond

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  Freetown Christiania – entrance

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  Øresund Bridge

Copenhagen in the 21st Century

Since 2000, Copenhagen and Malmö in Sweden have been connected by the Øresund Bridge. This bridge carries trains and cars. Because of this, Copenhagen has become the center of a larger area that includes parts of both countries. The bridge has changed public transport and led to a lot of new development on Amager island.

The city's service and trade industries have grown. Many banks and financial companies have opened here. Universities have also become more important, especially the University of Copenhagen with its many students. The Copenhagen Metro, which opened in 2002, has also been a big development.

Culturally, the Copenhagen Opera House opened in 2004. In December 2009, Copenhagen hosted the important worldwide climate meeting, COP15.

Copenhagen's Location and Landscape

Copenhagen is part of the Øresund Region, which includes parts of Denmark and Sweden. It is on the eastern coast of Zealand island. It also sits partly on Amager island and several smaller islands. Copenhagen faces the Øresund strait to the east, which connects the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The Swedish cities of Malmö and Landskrona are directly across the strait.

The city center is in the area once surrounded by old walls. These walls are now a green belt around the city. Around this historical center are neighborhoods built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, like Østerbro, Nørrebro, and Vesterbro. Later, areas like Valby and Brønshøj grew, mostly with homes and parks.

City Landscape

The central part of Copenhagen is mostly flat. The hilly areas to the north and west can rise up to 50 meters above sea level. Close to the center are the Copenhagen lakes.

Copenhagen sits on a base of limestone. During the last ice age, glaciers left a layer of soil up to 15 meters thick. The land in this part of Denmark is slowly rising due to natural geological processes.

Copenhagen's Beaches

Amager Strandpark, which opened in 2005, is a 2-kilometer-long artificial island with 4.6 kilometers of beaches. It's just a short bike ride or metro trip from the city center. Another beach, Bellevue Beach, is about 10 kilometers from downtown. It is 700 meters long and has lifeguards.

Besides beaches, Copenhagen has Harbour Baths along its waterfront. The one at Islands Brygge is very popular and known for its design.

Copenhagen's Weather

Copenhagen has an oceanic climate, meaning its weather is often changing. This is because of weather systems coming from the Atlantic Ocean. Rain is moderate throughout the year, with a bit more from July to September. Snow usually falls from late December to early March.

June is the sunniest month, with about eight hours of sunshine a day. July is the warmest, with average daytime highs around 21°C. In contrast, winter months like December and February have very little sunshine. February is the driest month. Sometimes, Copenhagen can get a lot of snow (up to 50 cm in 24 hours) in winter. Summer temperatures can reach up to 33°C.

Because Copenhagen is far north, the amount of daylight changes a lot. In summer, the sun is up for over 17 hours. In winter, it's only up for about 7 hours.

How Copenhagen is Governed

Copenhagen's urban area includes the municipalities of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Dragør, and Tårnby, plus parts of other areas. These are all in the Capital Region of Denmark. Municipalities are in charge of many public services. This includes planning, public housing, roads, and social security. A mayor and a council manage the city.

Copenhagen Municipality is the largest, with the historic city at its heart. The city council meets at the Copenhagen City Hall. Frederiksberg is the second largest municipality and is surrounded by Copenhagen.

Copenhagen Municipality is divided into ten districts. These include Indre By (the inner city), Østerbro, Nørrebro, and Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave.

Copenhagen's Green Efforts

Copenhagen is known as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. It's praised for its green economy. In 2014, it was ranked the top green city for the second time. In 2001, a large offshore wind farm was built near Copenhagen. It produces about 4% of the city's energy. Years of effort have made the harbor water clean enough for swimming.

Copenhagen aims to be carbon-neutral by 2025. This means reducing electricity use in buildings and cutting heat consumption. Renewable energy, like solar panels, is becoming common in new buildings. By 2025, 75% of trips should be made by walking, biking, or public transport. The city also plans for many cars to run on electricity or biofuel.

City planners focus on climate issues and energy-efficient buildings. They also prioritize sustainable drainage systems, recycling rainwater, green roofs, and good waste management. Streets are designed to encourage cycling and walking over driving.

People and Society in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is Denmark's most populated city. For official numbers, the "City of Copenhagen" includes Copenhagen Municipality and three nearby municipalities. Their combined population is over 760,000 people.

Copenhagen Municipality is the most populated in Denmark, with over 640,000 residents. The population grew a lot in the 1990s and early 2000s, partly due to people moving there from other countries. In 2022, about 73.7% of the people in the municipality were of Danish descent. The rest were from other countries or descendants of recent immigrants.

The larger urban area of Copenhagen has over 1.2 million people. The even bigger Metropolitan Copenhagen has over 2 million residents. Since the Øresund Bridge opened, more people travel between Zealand (Denmark) and Scania (Sweden). This has created a larger, connected area called the Øresund Region, with over 4 million people.

Religion in Copenhagen

Most people in Copenhagen (about 56.9%) are members of the Lutheran Church of Denmark. The Church of Our Lady is the National Cathedral. There are also other Christian groups in the city, with Roman Catholics being the largest.

More people from other countries have moved to Copenhagen, leading to more religious diversity. Islam is the second largest religion, with about 10% of the population. Many Muslims in Denmark live in the Copenhagen area. There are also about 7,000 Jewish people in Denmark, mostly in Copenhagen. The first synagogue was built in 1684. You can learn about Jewish history in Denmark at the Danish Jewish Museum.

Life Quality in Copenhagen

Copenhagen often ranks high in international surveys for its quality of life. Its strong economy, good education, and social safety make it an attractive place. Even though it's one of the most expensive cities, it's also very livable. This is thanks to its public transport, bike-friendly features, and environmental policies.

In 2013, Monocle magazine called Copenhagen the "most liveable city." They highlighted its green spaces, lively streets, and focus on community, culture, and food. Copenhagen is also praised for its business environment and restaurants.

Copenhagen's Economy

Copenhagen is Denmark's main economic and financial center. Its economy is mostly based on services and trade. In 2010, most of the city's workers were in the service sector, like transport, communication, trade, and finance. Less than 10,000 people worked in manufacturing. The public sector, including education and healthcare, employed about 110,000 people.

From 2006 to 2011, Copenhagen's economy grew by 2.5%. The city is known as a leader in the global green economy. The Copenhagen region produces almost 40% of Denmark's total economic output. Denmark's GDP per person is among the top 10 in the world. Copenhagen has achieved this growth while also improving its environment.

Several banks and financial companies have their main offices in Copenhagen. The Copenhagen Stock Exchange was founded in 1620. Many international companies like A.P. Møller-Mærsk and Carlsberg are also based here. City leaders have encouraged the growth of business groups in areas like information technology, biotechnology, and clean technology.

Life science is a very important sector, with a lot of research and development. Medicon Valley is a leading life sciences area in Europe, stretching across the Øresund Region. Many big Danish companies in pharmaceuticals are in this area.

Shipping is another key industry. Maersk, the world's largest shipping company, has its headquarters in Copenhagen. The city has an industrial harbor, Copenhagen Port. It has grown since 1990 after merging with Malmö harbor. The ports act as a hub for goods transported to the Baltic countries.

Copenhagen has some of the highest wages in the world. However, high taxes mean that the money people take home is less. A special tax scheme for foreign specialists makes Denmark attractive for international workers. But it is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe.

Denmark's flexible hiring and firing laws make it attractive for foreign companies to invest in Copenhagen.

Tourism in Copenhagen

Tourism is a big part of Copenhagen's economy. Visitors come for the harbor, cultural attractions, and famous restaurants. Since 2009, Copenhagen has been one of Europe's fastest-growing tourist spots. Hotel stays by international visitors grew by 42% from 2009 to 2013.

In 2010, tourism from short city breaks brought in about 2 billion Danish kroner. In 2015, 680,000 cruise passengers visited the port. In 2019, Lonely Planet named Copenhagen the best city to visit.

Copenhagen's City Look

Copenhagen's look today shows its long history as a regional center. The city has many different districts, each with its own unique feel. Other special features of Copenhagen include its many waterways, parks, and bicycle paths on most streets.

City Architecture

The oldest part of Copenhagen's inner city is called Middelalderbyen (the medieval city). But the most unique area is Frederiksstaden. It was built during the time of Frederick V. It has the Amalienborg Palace at its center and the large dome of Frederik's Church. The inner city also includes Slotsholmen, an island with Christiansborg Palace, and Christianshavn with its canals.

Copenhagen is sometimes called "the City of Spires." Its skyline is mostly flat, broken only by the spires and towers of its churches and castles. The most famous is the Baroque spire of the Church of Our Saviour. Visitors can climb its winding outside staircase to the top. Other important spires are on Christiansborg Palace, the City Hall, and the former Church of St. Nikolaj.

Copenhagen is known worldwide for its excellent urban planning. Its lively city center has amazing modern buildings, inviting public spaces, and lots of activity. These designs are the result of careful planning since the mid-1900s.

Recently, there has been a boom in modern architecture in Copenhagen. Many new buildings have been designed by famous architects from Denmark and other countries. Monocle magazine named Copenhagen the "World's best design city 2008."

The city's growth in the early 1900s was shaped by factories. After World War II, Copenhagen changed its medieval center to make way for cars. This meant separating different land uses, so people often needed cars to get around.

New buildings have changed the city's skyline. The historical center is kept free of tall buildings. But other areas, like Ørestad, have seen huge new developments. Ørestad is near Copenhagen Airport and has one of Scandinavia's largest malls.

Parks, Gardens, and Zoo

Copenhagen is a green city with many parks. King's Garden (Kongens Have) is the oldest and most visited. It was first designed by Christian IV in 1606. Over 2.5 million people visit it each year. In summer, it's full of people enjoying the sun, having picnics, and playing games. It also has sculptures. The Botanical Gardens are known for their large 19th-century greenhouses.

Fælledparken is the largest park in Copenhagen, covering 58 hectares. It's popular for sports and hosts many events. These include free opera concerts, open-air concerts, and the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix for antique cars. Kastellet is a well-preserved Renaissance fort that is now mostly a park. Another popular park is Frederiksberg Gardens, a large romantic park. It has a colony of tame grey herons and offers views of the elephants at the nearby Copenhagen Zoo. Langelinie, a park along the coast, is home to The Little Mermaid statue.

Many cemeteries in Copenhagen also serve as parks for quiet activities like reading. Assistens Cemetery, where Hans Christian Andersen is buried, is an important green space. Vestre Kirkegaard is Denmark's largest cemetery and has many groves, lawns, and paths.

Copenhagen's official policy is that by 2015, all citizens should be able to reach a park or beach within 15 minutes on foot. To achieve this, new parks, like the innovative Superkilen in Nørrebro, have been built.

Famous Places by District

Indre By (Inner City)

The historic center, Indre By, has many of Copenhagen's most famous sights. Frederiksstaden, built in the 1700s, features the four mansions of Amalienborg, the royal home. It also has the large-domed Marble Church. Across the water from Amalienborg is the modern Copenhagen Opera House.

South of Frederiksstaden, the Nyhavn canal is lined with colorful 17th and 18th-century houses. Many now have lively restaurants. The canal leads to Kongens Nytorv, a large square laid out in 1670. Important buildings here include Charlottenborg Palace (for art exhibitions) and the Royal Danish Theatre.

Other landmarks in Indre By include Christiansborg, the parliament building, the City Hall, and Rundetårn, an old observatory. The Thorvaldsen Museum is dedicated to the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Strøget, one of the world's oldest and longest pedestrian streets, is 3.2 kilometers long. It runs from Rådhuspladsen to Kongens Nytorv. It's always busy with shops, cafes, and street performers. Rosenborg Castle was built by Christian IV in 1606 as a summer home. It holds the Danish crown jewels.

Christianshavn

Christianshavn is southeast of Indre By, across the harbor. Christian IV developed this area in the early 1600s. Inspired by Amsterdam, he used Dutch architects to create canals within its old walls. The canals, with houseboats, are a major attraction. Another interesting place is Freetown Christiania, an area that started as a squatter community in 1971 and still has some independence.

Other notable buildings in Christianshavn include the Church of Our Saviour with its spiraling steeple. The North Atlantic House, once a warehouse, now shows culture from Iceland and Greenland. It also houses the famous Noma restaurant.

Vesterbro

Vesterbro, southwest of Indre By, starts with the Tivoli Gardens. This is the city's top tourist attraction, with rides, games, and restaurants. The Carlsberg neighborhood has interesting parts of the old brewery, like the Elephant Gate. The Tycho Brahe Planetarium is by one of the Copenhagen lakes.

Halmtorvet, the old hay market behind the Central Station, is now a popular area with cafes and restaurants. The former cattle market, Øksnehallen, is now an exhibition center. The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, built by Arne Jacobsen, was once the tallest hotel in Denmark. Det Ny Teater (the New Theatre) is a popular place for musicals.

Nørrebro

Nørrebro, northwest of the city center, has changed from a working-class area to a diverse, lively place. It has antique shops, international food stores, and restaurants. Much of the activity is around Sankt Hans Torv. Copenhagen's historic cemetery, Assistens Kirkegård, is the resting place of famous people like Hans Christian Andersen. Locals also use it as a park.

Østerbro

Just north of the city center, Østerbro is an upscale district with many beautiful mansions. Some are now embassies. The district stretches to the waterfront, where The Little Mermaid statue can be seen. This statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, was unveiled in 1913. Near the Little Mermaid is the old Citadel, one of northern Europe's best-preserved forts. The large Gefion Fountain shows a Nordic legend.

Frederiksberg

Frederiksberg is a separate municipality within Copenhagen's urban area. Its landmarks include Copenhagen Zoo, founded in 1869, with over 250 species. Frederiksberg Palace was built as a summer home and is now a military academy. It overlooks the large Frederiksberg Gardens with its waterfalls and lakes. The wide, tree-lined Frederiksberg Allé has long been known for theaters and entertainment.

Amagerbro

Amagerbro (also called Sønderbro) is southeast of Christianshavn on northern Amager. The old city moats separate these areas. The main street, Amagerbrogade, has many stores, restaurants, and pubs. Amagerbro was built in the early 1900s with typical 4–7 story buildings.

Other Interesting Districts

Near Copenhagen Airport on the Kastrup coast, The Blue Planet opened in 2013. It is Scandinavia's largest aquarium. Grundtvig's Church, in the northern suburb of Bispebjerg, was finished in 1940. It's a rare example of Expressionist church design, with a striking front that looks like a church organ.

Copenhagen's Culture

Copenhagen is Denmark's cultural heart and a major cultural center in Scandinavia. Since the late 1990s, it has become a globally appealing city. This is due to big investments in buildings and culture, and the work of successful Danish architects, designers, and chefs. Copenhagen Fashion Week happens every year in February and August.

Museums to Explore

Copenhagen has many museums of international importance. The National Museum is Denmark's largest museum of archaeology and cultural history. Denmark's National Gallery is the national art museum. Its collections go from the 12th century to today. It features Danish painters and international artists like Rubens and Picasso.

Another important art museum is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. It was founded by Carl Jacobsen of Carlsberg beer. It focuses on ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek sculptures. It also has a large collection of Rodin sculptures. The museum also has paintings by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists like Monet and van Gogh.

Louisiana is a Museum of Modern Art north of Copenhagen. It's in a sculpture garden overlooking Øresund. Its collection includes works by Picasso and Giacometti. The Danish Design Museum shows Danish design and international crafts.

Other museums include the Thorvaldsens Museum, dedicated to sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The Cisternerne museum is an art space in old cisterns with stalactites. The Ordrupgaard Museum, north of Copenhagen, has 19th-century French and Danish art.

Fun and Performing Arts

The new Copenhagen Concert Hall opened in 2009. Designed by Jean Nouvel, it has four halls. It is home to the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. The Tivoli Concert Hall is another important place for classical music. The Copenhagen Opera House opened in 2005 and is one of the most modern opera houses in the world. The Royal Danish Theatre also puts on operas and plays. It is home to the Royal Danish Ballet, one of Europe's oldest ballet groups.

Copenhagen has a lively jazz scene. Many American jazz musicians came to live here in the 1960s. Every July, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival fills the city with jazz concerts. It's one of Europe's top jazz festivals.

The largest place for popular music in Copenhagen is Vega. It was named "best concert venue in Europe" by a music magazine. Every September, the Festival of Endless Gratitude (FOEG) features indie and experimental pop music.

For free entertainment, you can walk along Strøget. In the late afternoon and evening, it's full of musicians, magicians, and other street performers.

Literature and Libraries

Many Danish publishing houses are in Copenhagen. These include book publishers like Gyldendal and newspaper publishers like Berlingske. Many important Danish writers lived in Copenhagen. These include Hans Christian Andersen (famous for fairy tales), philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, and playwright Ludvig Holberg.

The Royal Library is the largest library in the Nordic countries. It has almost every Danish book printed since 1482. Copenhagen's public library system has over 20 branches. The main one is the Central Library on Krystalgade.

Art in the City

Copenhagen has many art museums and galleries. These show both old and new art. They include the National Gallery and the Hirschsprung Collection. Kunsthal Charlottenborg shows modern art. Den Frie Udstilling shows paintings by contemporary artists. The Arken Museum of Modern Art is in southwestern Ishøj.

Many famous sculptures can be seen in the city. Besides The Little Mermaid, there are statues of kings on horseback in city squares. Rosenborg Castle Gardens has several sculptures, including one of Hans Christian Andersen.

Copenhagen is thought to have invented the photomarathon competition. This event has been held in the city every year since 1989.

Delicious Cuisine

As of 2014, Copenhagen had 15 Michelin-starred restaurants. This is the most of any Scandinavian city. The city is becoming known worldwide as a top place for food. Restaurants like Noma and Geranium have earned multiple Michelin stars. Noma was even named the Best Restaurant in the World four times. This has made the New Nordic Cuisine very popular.

Besides fancy restaurants, Copenhagen has many types of Danish and international restaurants. You can find places serving traditional Danish open sandwiches, called smørrebrød. Danish pastry can be bought at many bakeries. Denmark's oldest bakery, Conditori La Glace, opened in 1870.

Copenhagen has a long history with beer. Carlsberg beer has been brewed here since 1847. In recent years, many small breweries have opened in Copenhagen. Some, like Nørrebro Bryghus, are also brewpubs where you can eat.

Nightlife and Festivals

Copenhagen has a very high number of restaurants and bars. Nightclubs and bars often stay open until early morning. Areas like Istedgade and Enghave Plads in Vesterbro are known for their nightlife.

Copenhagen hosts several festivals, mostly in the summer. The Copenhagen Carnival happens every year during the Whitsun holiday. It features many bands and dancers. Since 2010, Copenhell, a heavy metal rock festival, has taken place at the old B&W Shipyard. Copenhagen Pride is an LGBT pride festival every August. The main celebrations happen at City Hall Square, which is renamed Pride Square during the event. Copenhagen Distortion is one of Europe's biggest street festivals, with many parties in early June.

Amusement Parks

Copenhagen has the world's oldest and third-oldest amusement parks.

Dyrehavsbakken, often called Bakken, is a fairground and pleasure park. It was started in 1583 and is the oldest amusement park still running in the world. It's located north of Copenhagen in a forest. It has rides, games, and restaurants. There is no entrance fee.

The Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park in central Copenhagen. It opened in 1843, making it the third-oldest amusement park in the world. Its rides include the oldest operating rollercoaster (from 1915) and the oldest ferris wheel (opened in 1943). Tivoli Gardens also hosts many performances and cultural events.

Education in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has over 94,000 students in its largest universities. The University of Copenhagen is Denmark's oldest university, founded in 1479. It welcomes many international students each year. In 2016, it was ranked 30th in the world.

The Technical University of Denmark is just north of Copenhagen. In 2013, it was ranked as one of Northern Europe's top technical universities. The IT University of Copenhagen is Denmark's newest university, focusing on technology.

The Danish Academy of Fine Arts has taught arts for over 250 years. It includes schools for visual arts, architecture, design, and conservation. Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is a business school in Frederiksberg.

Sports in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has many sports teams. The main football teams are FC København and Brøndby. FC København plays at Parken. Brøndby plays at Brøndby Stadion.

Copenhagen also has several handball teams, a very popular sport in Denmark. There are also ice hockey teams.

Rugby union and rugby league are played in Copenhagen. The Danish Australian Football League, based in Copenhagen, is the largest Australian rules football competition outside English-speaking countries.

The Copenhagen Marathon is an annual running event that started in 1980. The Round Christiansborg Open Water Swim Race is a 2-kilometer open water swimming competition in late August. Copenhagen hosted the 2011 UCI Road World Championships in September 2011, using its bike-friendly streets.

Getting Around Copenhagen

Airport Connections

The Copenhagen area has a very good transport system, making it a hub in Northern Europe. Copenhagen Airport, opened in 1925, is Scandinavia's largest airport. It's in Kastrup on Amager island. You can reach the city center by metro or train.

Roads, Trains, and Ferries

Copenhagen has a large road network, including highways that connect it to other parts of Denmark and to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge. Cars are still the most common way to travel within the city. The Øresund train connects Copenhagen with Malmö 24 hours a day.

Copenhagen also has a daily ferry service to Oslo, Norway. In 2012, Copenhagen Harbor handled 372 cruise ships.

The Copenhagen S-Train, Copenhagen Metro, and regional trains are used by about half of the city's passengers. The rest use buses. Nørreport Station is a central hub for all these transport types. About 750,000 passengers use public transport every day. Copenhagen Central Station is the main hub for Danish and international trains.

The Copenhagen Metro expanded a lot with the opening of the City Circle Line (M3) in 2019. This new line connects all inner city areas by metro, including the Central Station. In 2020, the Nordhavn extension of the Harbour Line (M4) opened. These new metro lines are part of the city's plan to encourage public transport and cycling.

Urban planners praise Copenhagen for how well it combines public transport and city development. The Finger Plan made Copenhagen one of the first cities to develop around its transit lines.

Cycling in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has been called one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world since 2015. There are more bicycles than people! In 2012, about 36% of city residents cycled to work or school. Copenhagen cyclists travel 1.27 million kilometers every workday. About 75% of Copenhageners cycle all year round. The city has extensive bicycle paths, with 400 kilometers of lanes just for bikes. These sometimes have their own traffic lights, giving cyclists a head start.

Healthcare in Copenhagen

Promoting health is important for Copenhagen's city government. Their "Long Live Copenhagen" plan aims to increase how long citizens live. It also wants to improve quality of life through better health and encourage active lives. The city has goals to encourage people to exercise regularly.

Copenhagen University Hospital includes several hospitals and the health sciences faculty at the University of Copenhagen. Rigshospitalet and Bispebjerg Hospital are part of this group. Rigshospitalet started in 1757 and became state-owned in 1903. It is a major specialist hospital with many researchers. It also trains students and hosts scientists. Other large hospitals in the city include Amager Hospital and Herlev Hospital.

Media in Copenhagen

Many Danish media companies are in Copenhagen. DR, the main Danish public broadcasting company, moved to its new headquarters, DR Byen, in 2006 and 2007. TV2 also has its Copenhagen operations in a modern media house. The two national daily newspapers, Politiken and Berlingske, are based in Copenhagen.

Other important media companies include Aller Media, the largest publisher of magazines in Scandinavia. Egmont is a large media group. Gyldendal is the largest Danish book publisher.

Copenhagen has a big film and television industry. Nordisk Film, started in 1906, is the oldest continuously operating film production company in the world. It now runs the Palads Cinema in Copenhagen. Filmbyen (movie city) is in a former military camp and houses several movie companies. Zentropa is a film company co-owned by director Lars von Trier.

CPH:PIX is Copenhagen's international film festival, held in mid-April. CPH:DOX is an international documentary film festival every November. It shows over 100 films and has many events.

Copenhagen's Sister Cities

Copenhagen is connected with these cities:

• Beijing, China
• Marseille, France
• Kyiv, Ukraine

Honorary Citizens of Copenhagen

People given the special title of honorary citizen of Copenhagen include:

Date	Name	Notes
21 November 1838	Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844)	Danish sculptor

While honorary citizenship is no longer given, three people have been named honorary Copenhageners (æreskøbenhavnere):

Date	Name	Notes
16 June 1967	Poul Reumert (1883–1968)	Danish actor
16 June 1967	Victor Borge (1909–2000)	Danish comedian
16 June 1967	Steen Eiler Rasmussen (1898–1990)	Danish architect

See also

In Spanish: Copenhague para niños